Solvent-recovery apparatus



Jan, 4, 1927. 1,613,073

A. ZIMMERLI SOLVENT RECOVERY APPARATUS Filed Deo, 17, 1923 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 H n1 /l 9 d@ ab w17 f Fi G- 6 4 3 /z I /5` Y lNvENToR AooLPH z/HHERL/ i l l 29 13/ A ToRNEY Patented .lan.,4, 1927. n

UNITED STATES PATENroI-Fica .ADOLPH ZIMMERLI, OF NEW BRUNSWTCK, NEW JERSEY, ASSIGNOR TO CELLO PROD- UCTS INCORPORATED, A CORPORATION OF NEW YORK.

SOLVENT-RECOVERY APPARATUS.

Application led December 17, 1923. Serial No. 681,217.

The recovery of volatile solvents forms an important problem in numerous industries: for example in the manufacture of artificial leather, glass substitutes, rubberized fabric, lacquered and 'varnished goods, where such solvents' as benzene, gasoline, alcohol, acetone, methylacetate, and numerous other solvents and mixtures thereof are employed. All those solvents are inflammable, more or less toxic and expensive. From all fthese slandpoint's, their recovery is 'highly desiraa le. f Numerous devices have heretofore been proposed for the recovery of volatile solvents or fluids but the functioning of most of these devices depend upon the coated articles or materials passing through a heated zone inwhich the heat is suppliedby convection, the most common method being circulating a gas, such as warm'air, and bringing it into' contact with "articles or materials. The solvent `entrained or carried away with the gas is 'recoveredfei'ther by cooling or absorption and distillation. In order to prevent losses of the solvent the apparatus employed must be air tight, thereby necessitating complicated installations.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a solvent recovery apparatus of simplified construction, eliicient and economical to operate.

Another object is the provision of apparatus for recovering solvents dependent for its operation upon heat supplied by radiation instead of convection.

Another object of the' invention is the provision of a solvent recovery apparatus comprised of a-plurality of compartments, one of which 'comprises a heating chamber having ay series -of heating coils or elements adapted to be heated separately, and another compartment designed to function as a cooling yor condensing chamber.

A further object is the provision of an api paratus adapted to permit the coating and drying of articles passed therethrough, the process being carried out continuously.

A still further object of the invention is the provision of av process for recovering volatile solvents Without the use of air or lother gas, thus making it unnecessary to employ an apparatus wh1ch is airtight.

In accordance with my invention there is. provided an enclosure divided vertically into preferably two compartments or chambers. The inner chamber is open tothe at` mo'sphere at the top thereof and may be formed by partition walls composed of sheetv low sections, each of which are constructed somewhat in the manner of a steam boiler, except being flat and rectangular in shape and adapted to fit'one upon another. Each of these several sections may be heated independentlyjand in practice would be heated to progressive temperatures, the lower-most one being heated to the highest temperature. The outer chamber has its exteriorl surfaces cooled in `any suitable manner and is placed in communication with the inner chamber by means of slots oropenings made in the artitioning walls separating the said cham rs from each other. y An arrangement is provided for the passage of coated articles or materials through the heating chamber, the movement of the articles or materials being in an upward direction', when emerging from the coating material, and in fairly close proximity to the heating coils or elements. The length of the passage-Way is sufficient to permit the evaporationv of the solvent before the coated objects or materials leave the heating chamber. Suitable means are provided for coolasl ing the outer Walls of the condensing chamber and collecting the solvent when condensed. The operation of the apparatus permits of the .continuous passage of coated articles or materials therethrough.

Referring to thel accompanying drawings:

Figure l 'illustrates diagrammatically a vertical sectional view of an apparatus embodying my invention;

Figure 2 is a fragmentary elevation of the inner surface'of the partitioning walls supporting the heating units;

Figure 3 is a transverse section of the apparatus taken on lines III-III of lFigure l;

Figure 4 is a view similarto Figure 1, showing a modification of the partitioning walls and heating units em loyed;

Figure 5 isan enlarged e evational view of the modied heating units;

Figure 6 is a transverse section of the form of 'apparatus shown in Figure 4 and taken on lines VI--VI thereof;

Figure 7 is a plan or end view of one of the heating units shown in Figure 5; and

Figure 8 is an enlarged detailed sectional view showing one of the openings inthe late or sections constitutingthe partitioning walls forming the separate compartments.

For the sake of convenience, I have illustrated an apparatus embodying my invention which is adapted especially to the coating of fabrics andthe like. Referring to the drawings the ap aratus shown ltherein may comprise an enc osure 1 divided vertically by partitioning walls 2, forming an inner or heating chamber 3 and an outer or condensing chamber 4. The partitioning walls 2 may comprise a heat insulating material such as asbestos board lined upon its inner'surface with sheet iron. Suitably supported upon the inner surface of the partitioning walls 2 are oppositely disposed heating units 5 and 6. These units may comprise coils 7 (see Figs. 1 to 3) the turns or sections of which are spaced as closely toether as possible and preferably formed of lgaalf inch pipe secured in any approved manner to the partitioning walls 2. Openings 8 are formed intermediate the several turns of the' heating coils 7, thus affording passage ways for placing the chambers 3 and 4 into communication with each other.

yThe enclosure may be made from sheet metal with the upper end of the side walls converging in such a manner that the opening at the top of said enclosure 1s constricted although remaining open to the atmosphere. The outer surfaces of the side walls of the enclosure lare cooled by means of water sprays9, mounted at the top thereof and adapted to play water thereon, which by force of gravity fiows downwardly until collected in troughs l1 formed at the bottom of the enclosure from whence the water may be drawn off. The height of the enclosure 1 is so, calculated that all of the solvent is evaporated before the coated object reaches the top thereof. Since the top of the enclosure 1 is partially opened to the atmosphere, the air within the enclosure wlllbe displaced by the vapors of the solvent, without mixing therewith to any extent, since the specific gravity of the vapors of all volatilesolvents, such as mentioned above and in commercial use, is considerably higher than that ofair at the Asame temperature; such vapors even at temperatures considerably above their boiling point are heavier than cold'air. In calculating the height of enclosure 1, consideration should be given to such factors as the speed at which the objects are caused to travel through the inner or heating chamber 3, the temperature to which the coils 7 are heated, the character of the coating material, etc. All -such factors, however, can be more or less roughly estimated inasmuch as itis only essential to accomplish the purposes in view that the height of the enclosure l be such that the solvent is substantially all vaporized before the coated object leaves the heating chamber 3 and at the same time avoid the premature drying` or setting of the coating formed thereon.

I have found it convenient to employ steam heating units and discovered that it is sometimes desirable to have the same composed of a plurality of sections which may be heated separately or independently of each other. This form of construction will hereinafter be more fully described with respect to Figs. 4 to 8, but the main features thereof are obviously applicable to the coil type heating units. The spacing of the heating units is such that the coated objects passing therebetween is in suiiicient proximityl thereto that the radiated heat therefrom effectively vaporizes the solvent from the coating materialen said objects. It is obvious that the hotter the heating units are maintained the more rapid the evaporation of the solvent, which permits greater rapidity of movement of the coated objects through the apparatus.` ACare should be exercised, however, not to prematurely cause the setting of the coating material, particularly the outer surface thereof, as undesirable results may follow. Consideration should also be iven to the speed of the coated article throug the i apparatus inasmuch as if it moves too slowly pastthe lower sections premature setting of the coating take place. Further, if `the lower heating sections or units are maintained at t'oo high temperatures, the hot vapors have a tendency to rise' rapidly,

thereby. causing currents which it is desired to avoid. y

The modifications shown in Figs. 4 to 8 relate principally to changes in-the construction of the heating units 5 and 6. ,In this form of my apparatus the heating units are each composed of a plurality of sections 21. Theseseveral sections are composed of a pair of closely spaced rectangular plates 22 united byv side and end walls formed at the edges of said plates. The plates 22 are perforated by oppositely disposed openings into which are fitted hollow steam tight connec-r tor members 23 which resemble in construction and appearance miniature boiler tubes of a steam boiler. The function of the connector members 23 1s to provide means of communication between the heatlng 'chamber 3 and the condensing chamber 4. All ofy the sections 21 are provided ,with an inlet and an outlet connection 24 and 25, respectively, longitudinally one upon another, and secured to upright supporting members (not shown) in any suitable manner, as, for example, by passing bolts through holes .|26

loo

and are adapted to be fitted edgewisev made in the marginal flanged edges 27. vThe dimensions ofthe sections 21 as to width and height are such that when properly mounted within the enclosure 1 a given number of said sections form partitioning walls for dividing the enclosure into thetwo compartments comprising the heating chamber 3 and condensing chamber l4.

vA separate steam riser or pipe 28. isfurnished for each of the inlet connections 24 and a separate return pipe 29 for the outlet connections 25. It will be noted that the heating sections 21 which are oppositely disposed -are so connected bypipes- 30 and 31 as to lhave a common inlet pipe 28 and a common outlet l'pipe 29. By u sing different steam pressures in the severahppes 28 it is possible to heat the sectionsv 21 to different temperatures which may .be progressively greater upwardly, i. e., the lowermost section would be heated the hottest. It is to loe appreciated, however, that although this section would normall be the hottest but because'of vthe great a sorption of heat.l by

the solvent vapors at this region of the env I process of coating obgects may be carried out closure 1, `the internal temperat re of the heating chamber may 'not vary widely throughout its len th. In order to increase the eciency of t e condensing chamber 4 the outer surface (inner surface with re'- spect to said chamber) of the sections 21 may be lined with heat insulating material such as asbestos board (not shown). In such an event, the lining material should be provided with apertures corresponding in size and position to the tubes or connectors 23, so as not to block the passageways between the chambers 3 and 4. o/

The operation of the apparatus illustrated in the drawings and describedy above is as follows: A roll 12 of the fabric material is suitably supported at the base of the apparatus and the material is/"lead over an idle roller 13, through an aperture formed near the bottom of a container 14 holding the coating substance. The fabric is then passed under an idle roller 15 ywhich is submerged in the coating material, thence through the heating chamber 3, through aset of rollers 15l mounted above the opening at the top of the enclosure 1, and finally woundupon a power driven receiving roller 16. As the fabric passes through the apparatus, moving in an upward direction, it it first immersed in the coating material and then immediatel passes through a saturation chamber 1 formed Aintermediate the lower extremity of the enclosure 1 and the container 14. -Any excess of the coating material adhering to the fabric flows back into the container 1, and the saturation chamberv 17 being full of the solvent vapor evaporation therein takes place slowly or to no appreciable extent.

From the saturation chamber .the fabric passes into the heating chamber 3 which is temperatures thereo may be regulated so asA to be progressively greater upwardly, in which event more rapid, and erhaps complete, volatilization of the so vent may be effected. The solvent vapors escape through the openings 8 in the partitioning walls into the condensing or outer chamber 4. The

solvent vapors contacting with' the cooled surfacesv of the chamber 4 are condensed and collected inthe bottom thereof. These vapors being heavier than airand their total volume being kept substantiall constant by condensing. the 4excess thereof, ut small loss is occasioned by theescape of tlie'solvent vapors'through tlietop of the enclosure 1. The condensed vaporsmay ,be recovered by being drawn off-through pipes 18,

From the foregon it 1s obviousthat the continuously with m apparatus and uniform results obtaine yas to the quality of the product secured therefrom.

Certain modifications of my invention will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art,

but I'wish to be understoodas'contemplating.

such modifications as come'within the scope of the lappended claims.

lVhat 1s claimed'is:

k1. A solvent recovery apparatus comprising an enclosure divided vertically by partitioningwalls into an inner and an outer chamber, means for heating said inner cham ber by radiant heat, means for cooling said Outer chamber, means for placing said chambers in communication. with each other and means for passing a coated material through said inner chamber, whereby the solvent of the coating substance ma be l\;olatilized and condensed in the outer c am- 2. A solvent recovery 'apparatus comprlsing an enclosure ldivided vertical] by partitioning Walls into an inner an' an outer chamber, means for heating said inner chamtitioning walls into an inner and an outer chamber, means for heating said inner chamber by radiant heat, means for cooling said outerchamber, means for placing said chambers in communication with each other, means for preventing the escape of a volatile solvent, and means for passing a coated material through said inner chamber, the 4passage of said material being in an upward direction, whereby the solvent of the coating substance may be volatilized and condensed in the outer chamber. Y

4. A solvent recovery apparatus compris ing an enclosure divided vertically by partitioning walls into an inner and an outer chamber, heating elements for heating said inner chamber by radiant heat, said elements being adapted to have a temperature gradi.

ent, means for cooling said outer chamber, means for placing said chambers in communication with each other, said inner chamberbeing opened to the atmosphere at the top thereof and of sufficient length that the solvent vapors are kept below alayer of air, and means for passing a coated material through said inner chamber, whereby the solvent of the coating substance may be volatilized and condensed in the condensing chamber.

5. A solvent vrecovery apparatus comprising an enclosure divided vertically by partitioning walls into an inner and an outer chamber, heating elements for heating-said inner chamber by `radiant heat, said elements being ada-pted to have a temperature radient means for coolin said outer g a chamber, means for placing said chambers in communication with each other, said inner chamber being opened to the atmosphere at the top. thereof and of sufcient length that the solvent vapors are kept 4belowa layer 0f air, and means for passing a coated materia-l through said inner chamber, the travel of said material being upwardly and at such a rate of speed as to permit the coating thereon to be ixed before becoming exposed to the atmosphere, whereby 'the solvent of the coating substance may be volatilized and condensed in the condensing chamber.

6. A solvent recovery apparatus comprising an enclosure ldivided vertically by partit1oning walls into an inner and an outer chamber, heating elements for heating said inner chamber by radiant. heat, said elements being adapted to have a temperature gradient, means for cooling said outer chamber, openings formed in said partitioning wallsv for placing said chambers in communication with each other, said inner chamber being opened to the atmosphere at the top thereof and of suilicie'nt length that the solventvapors are kept below a layer of air and the mixing of the two layers is reduced to a minimum, and means for passing -a coated material through said inner chamber, the travel of said material being upwardly and at such arate of speed as to permit the coating thereon to be fixed before becoming exposed to the atmosphere, whereby the solvent of the coating substance may be volatilized and condensed in the vcondensing chamber.

7. The process of recovering volatile solvents from a coating material applied to an object, which-comprises passing a coated object in close proximity to a source of radiant heat to eHect the vaporization-of the solvents from said coating material, moving the object in an upward direction and condensing and collecting the solvent vapors.

8. The process of recovering volatile solvents from a coating material applied to an object, which comprises passing a coated object in close proximity to a source of radiant heat supplied by treating units adapted to have a temperature gradient.

9. The process of recovering volatile solvents from a coating material applied to an object, which comprises passing a coated object in close proximity to a source of radiant heat to eifect the vaporization of the solvents from said coating material, moving the object in an.A upward direction, maintaining the solvent vapors below a layer of air during the condensation thereof and collecting the condensate progressively greater in a given direction.

In testimony whereof, I have 4hereunto subscribed my name this 13th day of December, 1923. 4

ADOLPH ZIMMERLI. 

